Central Bhutan

15 days
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Private Guided
Largely untouched by the modern world, Bhutan is an enigmatic mountain kingdom of green valleys crowned with dzongs (fortresses) and chortens (shrines). As the country operates a strict entry policy, it’s essential that your trip is planned thoroughly. Our specialists will use their extensive knowledge to create a carefully arranged itinerary that’s tailored ...
From$7,075
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Largely untouched by the modern world, Bhutan is an enigmatic mountain kingdom of green valleys crowned with dzongs (fortresses) and chortens (shrines). As the country operates a strict entry policy, it’s essential that your trip is planned thoroughly. Our specialists will use their extensive knowledge to create a carefully arranged itinerary that’s tailored to your interests. We have also worked hard to find the best drivers and guides (the government requires all visitors are accompanied), who can enhance your holiday to Bhutan. A journey through Bhutan will take you through rich forests, over high mountain passes and to some of the most biologically diverse national parks in the world. The cliff-hugging Tiger’s Nest is one of many white-walled monasteries that overlook yawning valleys, which burst into bloom with wildflowers in spring. And, you’ll find the Bhutanese welcoming in showing you their deeply Buddhist and traditional way of life, where Gross National Happiness is more important than gross domestic product.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKathmandu
End CityKathmandu

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Bhutan
  • Nepal

Attractions

  • Bumthang Valley
  • Kathmandu
  • Punakha
  • Thimpu

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu

On arrival into Kathmandu you'll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Nepal's diverse and vibrant capital city. Kathmandu has a rich cultural and artistic heritage making it a fantastic place to explore. Highlights include the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and the Buddhist site of Boudhanath, Nepal's largest stupa.

Day 3 : Thimphu

This morning you'll continue your journey onto the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan with a flight to Paro. On arrival you'll be driven to Thimpu via Simtokha Dzong, an atmospheric Buddhist monastery.

Day 4 : Thimphu

Today is your first full day in the capital of Bhutan, enjoy exploring the sights of this charming city. It is a great place to walk around and there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. In the evening you may like to visit a local nunnery to experience evening prayer, a truly fascinating experience.

Day 5 : Punakha

This morning you will drive to the beautiful Punaka valley. The Dochu La (pass) at 3140m offers great views of the mountains on clear days.This afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, one of the Bhutan's most stunning dzong's, as well as Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the divine mad monk.

Day 6 : Punakha

Enjoy a day walk that includes the scenic Khamsum Yul-le Namgyel Chorten. The Chorten lies at the other end of the valley to Punakha Dzong and the walk along the river to this point is lovely. You can take the walk at your own pace, stopping to admire the scenery as often as you like.

Day 7 : Phobjikha

At your leisure you will be driven to Gangtey Valley.If visiting over the winter months you will witness the fascinating Black-necked crane migration.

Day 8 : Phobjikha

Today you will explore the Gangtey Valley with your guide. Highlights include walking the Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum Trail and visiting the blacknecked crane research centre.

Day 9 : Jakar, Bumthang Valley

Today you will start the journey to Bumthang. To break up the drive, Trongsa is a nice stop off point for some lunch and to visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong fortress in Bhutan.

Day 10 : Jakar, Bumthang Valley

Today you will have a walking tour of some of the temples in the Jakar area including the picturesque Thangbi Mani Lhkahang which is located in a quiet corner of the valley framed by beautiful mountains. There will also be the chance to visit Jakar Dzong, which is the perfect vantage point for views across Jakar.

Day 11 : Paro

Today you will be taken to the local airport in time for your short flight back to Paro.Rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 12 : Paro

Today the highlight of many trips to Bhutan, you will make the climb up to Tiger`s Nest Monastery, perched on the edge of the mountain. It is a relatively steep climb, but it can be taken at your own pace and enjoy the stunning views as you climb.This evening you may ...

Day 13 : Paro

Spend the day exploring the Paro Valley and the town today, visiting Drukgyel Dzong and the National Museum.

Day 14 : Kathmandu

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival , you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 15 : International return flight

Return international flight to the UK. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,075
Price per day$472
Last Updated: 0/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Our trips don’t come off the shelf. There’s no set recipe. Each itinerary is tailor-made down to the finest detail, built around your tastes and interests. Quite simply, we listen to what you want and then carefully design an individual trip to match, working to your budget and with an absolute commitment to quality.

We have experts for each and every one of our destinations, with the knowledge that comes from having visited many times or even lived there. Our specialists will design a trip around you, show you the highlights from a different angle, and introduce you to places and experiences that others might miss.

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As the world adjusts to travel in times of uncertainty, we want you to be able to look ahead to your next trip knowing you can change your plans if needed. And, with specialists who are experts in their destinations and remain your single point of contact before and while you travel, we promise you can book with us in absolute confidence.

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Change your plans free of charge up to 30 days before departure

We’ll move your travel dates or switch the value of your booked trip to another destination at no expense to you up to 30 days before you’re due to depart. You’ll receive a 100% travel credit equivalent to the amount you paid toward your original booking.

Valid for new bookings made on or before October 31, 2020, for travel by Dec. 31, 2021. Travel dates may be moved to departures up to December 31, 2022. Excludes select cruises and airfare. Additional charges may be incurred based on changes to your trip such as accommodation and/or seasonality.

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14-day cancellation policy for trips to the US, Canada or Caribbean

We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.

Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.

 

Set your travel plans in motion with a video appointment

 

Talking face to face with your specialist can be an invaluable starting point for sharing thoughts and ideas as you begin to imagine your next trip. You can take as much time as you need to speak to your specialist and discuss all your plans with one of our video appointments. Just think of it as your own personal webinar — your specialist will share a wealth of insight, aided by images, maps and other visuals, to inspire you and provide advice for your trip, based on what you want to experience.

It's easy to arrange

  • Book a video appointment (we’ll ask you for a few details about your travel plans).
  • One of our specialists, who’s an expert in your chosen destination, will get in touch to arrange a time and date to suit you. If your travel companions are in different households, we’ll invite them to join, too, so you can all chat together.
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  • Settle down with a drink, click on the link to join the appointment and your specialist will be there to welcome you.
 

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Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
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